Vaping and Public Spaces Etiquette

Vaping and Public Spaces Etiquette

1/13/2025

Vaping makes an excellent alternative to smoking, as it doesn't contain the harmful chemicals in tobacco, and there is no intense smoke smell. That doesn't mean anyone can vape anywhere, however – while vapour is not as unpleasant as cigarette smoke, not everyone wants to be surrounded by it, especially in indoor public spaces.
If you are new to vaping, you might wonder where you can – and, more importantly, cannot – vape. To ensure you are not breaking any rules or making other people feel uncomfortable, use this guide to vaping in public places.

Vaping on Public Transport

Millions of people use public transport every single day, particularly to commute to and from work. Generally speaking, vaping on public transport of any kind, including buses, coaches, trains, and flights, should be avoided at all costs, as you are in a small, enclosed space with other people.
Buses: Most bus operators have completely banned vaping in their vehicles.

- Coaches: Like buses, most operators ban vaping, including the main ones like National Express.

- Trains: Vaping is prohibited on all trains in the UK – zero train operators allow it.

- Trams: Vaping is mostly banned on all trams in the UK, including Manchester's Metrolink, Croydon Tramlink, and South Yorkshire Supertram.

- Flights: Vapes are 100% prohibited on all flights from the UK.

- Cruise Ships: Most cruise ships allow vaping, but only in specific areas. Always ask where you can and cannot vape on a cruise or ferry.

Vaping in Airports

Vaping is not allowed in airports, falling under the same rules as smoking. Most airports in the UK have dedicated smoking areas, so you will need to find one of these to take a draw. Keep in mind that vape juices will fall under the liquid limits on flights, too – anything over 30ml cannot be in your hand luggage.

Vaping in Hotels

Vaping inside hotels is generally not allowed – even in your private room, as it is often seen as the same as smoking. Most of the time, you will need to go outside the hotel to vape. However, this is subject to a hotel's own policies; some hotels may allow their guests to vape inside their rooms, and some have designated vaping areas.

Vaping in Pubs

Every pub is different. Most pubs will ban vaping outright, and you will likely spot some no-vaping and no-smoking signs within the pub itself. In some cases, pub landlords will allow vaping within their premises – it is not outrightly banned like smoking is. To stay on the safe side, always ask a member of staff before taking a draw when you are in a pub.

Vaping in Restaurants and Cafes

Most places where eating takes place will ban vaping outright. However, much like pubs, this is up to the owner's discretion – you might find the odd eatery or café that doesn't mind vaping, although this won't be too common. Again, ask a member of staff, and assume that you will likely need to step outside if you want to take a puff of your vape.

Vaping at Concerts

Vaping at a concert depends on the venue. Most large venues have banned vaping outright. However, smaller, more independent venues may allow people to vape. You can look up whether a venue has banned vaping in advance or ask a member of staff while you are there.

Vaping at Sports Venues

Vaping at a sports venue depends on the venue itself. Most larger sports venues ban vaping outright – for example, there are no Premier League grounds that allow it. However, there may be some smaller sports venues that do not mind attendees vaping in certain areas.

Vaping During Virtual Meetings

While being a part of a virtual meeting does not technically fall under being in a public space, vaping etiquette during this time can be a bit hazy. You are not in the same room as the people you are having a meeting with, so you might assume that taking a couple of puffs should be fine – but is it, really?
To stay on the safe side, always keep your vape out of meetings, even ones done virtually. The reason is to keep team meetings professional – your work superiors may not find your vaping acceptable. Some companies may even have a policy banning vaping during online meetings. However, there is no strict ban on this as a whole, so it's best to ask your manager directly.

Tips for Vaping in Public Spaces

Using vapes in England and the rest of the United Kingdom may feel a bit complicated – some public spaces, such as trains, ban vaping completely. In contrast, others, such as hotels, have dedicated vaping areas. To stay within the law and avoid causing discomfort to people around you, follow these vaping etiquette tips.

Ask Before Taking a Puff

If you are ever unsure whether vaping is allowed – ask! The worst thing that can happen is you are told no and have to step outside to take a puff. Vaping without asking first may lead to a fine in certain places. Plus, you don't want to make others feel uncomfortable. So, whether you are staying in a hotel or at your friend's house, always get permission before taking a draw.

Educate Yourself

The best way to become a more mindful vaper is to educate yourself like you are doing now! Stay in the know about all the laws and regulations surrounding vaping so that you never break any rules. Remember, rules can drastically change over time – you could smoke inside a pub in 2006, but by the following year, it was illegal.

Watch Where You Blow Vapour

Never blow vapour in a person's face, whether you know them or otherwise. Be mindful of where you blow the vapour, always aiming in the direction of the fewest people. If you are in a crowded environment, it's best to wait until you have more space before taking a puff.

Do Not Leave Vaping Equipment Out

Whenever you are in a public space, always keep your vaping equipment on your person, never leaving it out in the open like on a restaurant table. The reason for this is that vaping equipment can be dangerous in the hands of children or pets. There is also the added bonus that no one will steal it!

Treat it Like Smoking

To play it safe, treat vaping as you would smoking. Sure – the vapour isn't as smoky, harmful, or obvious as tobacco smoke, but that doesn't mean everyone is okay with it. By treating vaping like smoking, you avoid causing any public discomfort, and you will always stay on the right side of the law.

Can You Get a Fine from Vaping?

Yes – to ensure that people follow the rules, vapers may receive a penalty if they vape in a place where they shouldn't. Of course, this depends on where you are vaping. For example, Transport for London has a complete vaping ban on all of its services, with fines ranging from £50 to £200.

What About Smoking Cigarettes?

The UK implemented new smoking bans in 2007, where it became illegal to smoke in indoor public spaces, including pubs and public transport. This was a major milestone in UK law and meant that people who did not smoke were not subject to harmful second-hand smoke in public spaces.
Vaping does not fall under this law, mainly because vaping was nowhere near as common as smoking in 2007 – it has since boomed in popularity. Plus, vaping does not expose people to as many chemicals compared to smoking, so bystanders won't be in much danger from standing too near someone vaping compared to someone smoking a cigarette.

e-liquids

Why is Vaping Banned in So Many Public Spaces?

You might wonder – why is vaping banned in places like train stations, hotels, and airports if it's not as dangerous as smoking? There are several reasons for this. First, while second-hand vapour is not as harmful as second-hand smoke, there are still some risks there, as the vapour will often contain nicotine.
There is also concern that people smoking cigarettes could hide that fact in a place where vaping is allowed, as smoke and vapour often look quite similar. Generally, most companies find it is best to have an overall smoke-free rule on their premises to deter people from smoking or vaping. This blanket ban is much easier to implement.
Lastly, there is the concern that people vaping in public spaces may encourage younger people to try vaping. Vaping is banned for anyone under the age of 18 (like smoking), but children often still get hold of vapes, causing harm to their health. Most adults are in agreement that vaping and children should be kept as separate as possible, making the ban within most public spaces make sense.

Will Vaping Be Banned in Public Spaces Under UK Law?

Already, many public spaces do not allow you to vape within their premises. It is not outright banned by the law, however. Many vapers are worried that this will change sometime in the future; that vaping will fall under the exact same restrictions as smoking. As of right now, there is no indication that will occur, although nobody can guess the future with any certainty!
One upcoming law surrounding vaping to be aware of is the Tobacco and Vapes Bill of 2025, which completely bans the sale of disposable vapes from 1st June 2025 onwards to benefit public health. Other new laws within this bill include a new tax on e-liquids and stricter age restrictions.

Will Vaping Be Banned in Public Spaces Under UK Law?

Already, many public spaces do not allow you to vape within their premises. It is not outright banned by the law, however. Many vapers are worried that this will change sometime in the future; that vaping will fall under the exact same restrictions as smoking. As of right now, there is no indication that will occur, although nobody can guess the future with any certainty!
One upcoming law surrounding vaping to be aware of is the Tobacco and Vapes Bill of 2025, which completely bans the sale of disposable vapes from 1st June 2025 onwards to benefit public health. Other new laws within this bill include a new tax on e-liquids and stricter age restrictions.

Alternatives to Vaping in Public Spaces

As you have likely gathered, vaping in public spaces is generally not permitted, with only a couple of places making exceptions. This can be difficult for some vapers, especially those used to taking a nicotine hit when they need to.
So, what are the alternatives? While you may not be able to vape in an airport or on a bus, there are other nicotine products that you can use:

Nicotine Patches

Nicotine patches have been around for many years, and they are still as useful as ever. They are simple to use; you simply place the patch onto your skin for a steady release of nicotine that keeps your cravings low. You can wear them for up to a full day.

Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum is a special type of gum that contains nicotine. This one is popular as it keeps your mouth busy, so you won't find you want to reach for your vape as much when chewing on it. You can find several flavours of nicotine gum, too.

Nicotine Pouches

Nicotine pouches are small bags that contain nicotine and other flavourings, which you can place next to your gums for a fast-acting hit of nicotine. These usually last thirty minutes, but some brands make nicotine pouches that last up to an hour. Many vapers and smokers love these alternatives, as they not only give you a nicotine hit but also involve a sort of ritual that helps people get out of the habit of taking a drag or a puff. Plus, the additional flavourings make them more enjoyable than nicotine patches.

Nicotine pouches

Vaping in Public Spaces: The Key Takeaways

Using vaping products in public spaces is generally not allowed, although there is no law right now banning it altogether. As a vaper, it's your responsibility to find out where you can and cannot vape and to always be mindful of those around you. Here are the key takeaways:

- Ask Before Vaping in Public Premises
- Never Vape on Public Transport
- Be Mindful of Where You Blow Your Vapour
- Keep Up to Date with UK Vaping Laws

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